Principal Scientist, R&D - Sensory Science

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Principal Scientist in the Consumer Experience (CX) - Sensory Center of Excellence to lead complex, high-impact sensory research across R&D in North America. You will drive experimentation, predictive modeling, and rigorous data interpretation to inform product and packaging decisions.

You will coach teams, partner with Central R&D and external suppliers, and advance best practices in sensory science while representing Kraft Heinz as a technical leader.

Qualifications

• Advanced sensory knowledge across multiple techniques.
• Translate complex data into actionable recommendations.
• Strong statistical understanding and modeling capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead sensory research projects on ingredients and tech.
• Develop capabilities, standards, and cross-functional alignment.
• Collaborate with NGIAN and CX - Product Insights.
• Coach and mentor Sensory staff for technical excellence.
• Engage with industry bodies and external partners.

Skills

Sensory science

Descriptive analysis

Design of experiments

Statistical analysis

XLSTAT

SIMS

RedJade

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master of Science in Sensory Science

PhD preferred

Tools

XLSTAT

SIMS

RedJade Data Collection

Job description

Job Description

As a Principal Scientist in the Consumer Experience (CX) - Sensory Center of Excellence, you will serve as a recognized sensory science subject matter expert leading complex, technically rigorous projects with broad impact across R&D and the North American Zone. You will proactively cultivate foundational sensory knowledge to accelerate and deepen the organization's technical understanding of ingredients, product, packaging, and processes. You will utilize sensory foundational mastership and advanced design of experiments modeling techniques to drive innovation and renovation through advanced experimental design and predictive modeling. You will apply methodological rigor to answer critical business and technical questions, guiding product development. As a leader in the North America CX - Sensory Science team, you will demonstrate best-in-class Sensory tools, methods, and ways of working across the business.

As a Sensory Science subject matter expert, you will provide coaching and mentorship to drive technical excellence and sensory rigor within the team and across the organization including consultation and training to improve the application of sensory insights in our long-term ingredient technology research. You will partner closely with Central R&D (New Generation Ingredients, Analytical, Nutrition, Product & Process Development, Packaging, CX - Product Insights, Culinary) and external suppliers to ensure sensory perception measurement is translated into practical product, packaging, and technical decisions.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Develop and lead comprehensive sensory research projects focused on understanding new ingredients and technology in application using all available sensory tools and predictive modeling.
• Develop and document sensory science capabilities, methodologies, and standards for application across R&D, ensuring cross-functional understanding and consistent application.
• Partner with Nutrition and Analytical Sciences to ensure correlation with sensory technical measurements and incorporation into final product and process specifications for existing core products and during new product development.
• Lead development of Sensory Science best practices and center of excellence standards.
• Lead Sensory fundamentals training for R&D to ensure consistent team evaluation practices.
• Create recommendations for Sensory method development, and collaborate with internal digital transformation and data sciences teams on expansion of AI/modeling capabilities.
• Contribute to the sensory research vendor ecosystem by identifying and qualifying new and emerging high-quality vendor partners with cutting-edge capabilities and world-class recruiting and executional excellence.
• Actively engages with industry professionals, standards bodies (e.g., ASTM, SIMS), and academic institutions to advance sensory science, shape best practices, and represent Kraft Heinz as a technical leader in the field.
• Provide coaching and mentorship for Sensory support staff and more junior team members.

Organizational Relationships

• Interacts and influences all levels cross-functionally.
• Actively collaborates with NGIAN and CX - Product Insights.
• Manages activities of research suppliers. Sets high standards, provides ongoing feedback. Appropriately questions and challenges suppliers to ensure best thinking and continuous improvement.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

Education

Minimum Master of Science degree in Sensory Science; PhD preferred.

Experience

Minimum 7 years with MS, 6 years with PhD of Sensory research experience in increasingly responsible positions. Experienced across all sensory research techniques and applications. Consumer packaged goods experience required.

Specialized Knowledge Required

• Advanced generalized knowledge and experience of all Sensory testing methodologies including descriptive analysis, panel moderating, discrimination testing, quantitative and qualitative consumer research, preference mapping, and design of experiments.
• Ability to translate complex sensory data into clear, actionable technical recommendations for R&D and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Advanced understanding of univariate and multivariate statistics.
• Strong interpersonal and team skills (organization, prioritization, navigating ambiguity, communication, and flexibility).
• Analytical problem solving and attention to detail.
• Strong consultation and influencing capability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with XLSTAT, SIMS, and RedJade Data Collection software a plus.
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management in a matrixed environment.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range: $104,200.00 - $130,200.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provide